Financial Planning

At a glance

The Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, awarded by University College Dublin (UCD), is a highly regarded postgraduate qualification (level 9), designed for those working in, or who would like to develop a career in, financial planning and wealth management. It is designed for those who wish to develop their financial planning knowledge and skills to the highest international standards.



Who is this programme for?

• The programme is specifically designed to provide financial planners with the knowledge and understanding of the applicable regulatory requirements, the mechanisms and purpose of the main investment products and the ability to satisfy their individual clients’ financial planning and investment portfolio needs.

• The Graduate Diploma also seeks to deepen your technical knowledge of areas such as asset, finance and risk management and provide the tools to develop effective mutually beneficial client relationships.



Award

When you successfully complete this programme, you will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from UCD. This is a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Modules

• Financial and Data Analysis for Financial Planning

• Tax and Estate Planning

• Retirement Planning

• Asset Management

• Risk Management in Financial Planning

• Integrated Personal Financial Planning*



*Before registering for this module, candidates must have completed the first four modules and be registered for/have completed the Risk Management in Financial Planning module.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning are as follows:

• An honours degree (min. 2.2 L8 NFQ)

or

• Equivalent relevant professional qualification (e.g.) Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA), with three years’ relevant work experience obtained in the banking or financial services industry, Chartered Tax Advisers (CTAs), accountants, solicitors and barristers.

or

• Admission may also be considered for experienced professionals who do not meet the admission requirements as set out above, where they can demonstrate knowledge through their work i.e. they have more than 5 years’ experience in a management role (to be considered on a case-by-case basis).

• Candidates should also have a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel before starting on the programme.

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Professional Body Membership

You must be a member, or become a member of IOB to undertake this programme, (membership year January - December).

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Exemptions

• Holders of the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification qualify for an exemption from the Tax and Estate Planning module.

Varies. Delivery is 100% online.

Next intake: Autumn Trimester 2025-2026 academic year - (Assessment in January 2026.

This programme enrols twice a year.

Progression

This award is on the Pathway to MSc in Financial Services. Those wishing to continue their studies and achieve the MSc will receive the higher award only.